Georgian Bay and Bancroft Youth Take Conservation Lead
Youth Awards Presented at 83rd OFAH Fish & Wildlife Conference
MISSISSAUGA, ON– Before an audience of hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts, youth from Bancroft and Georgian Bay were applauded for their impressive efforts to learn about and enhance Ontario fish and wildlife resources. The young people were presented with their provincial honors at the 83rd OFAH Fish & Wildlife Conference, held from March 17 to 19 in Mississauga.
Nominations for the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Junior Conservation Award and the OFAH Heritage Junior Award were submitted from across Ontario, and reviewed by a panel of judges from the outdoor industry. The winners were selected for conservation activities completed during 2010.
For the second consecutive year, students from the Northern Outdoor Studies class at North Hastings High School in Bancroft were chosen to receive the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Junior Conservation Award. MNR Minister Linda Jeffrey made the presentation in front of a packed room on Friday morning. The outstanding outdoor education class has taken the award several times in previous years. The presentation was livestreamed via the Internet and can be viewed at www.ofah.org/conference.
“These young people are acquiring valuable skills in the outdoors that they can use for the rest of their lives,” said Minister Jeffrey. “I commend the school and instructors for making this course available and applaud the young people who have taken part in it.”
Hannah Edwards of Victoria Harbour in the Georgian Bay region, is the 2010 winner of the OFAH Heritage Junior Award. Hannah is a member of the local Georgian Bay Get Outdoors Club, which she joined in 2004. In nominating her, club leaders Kevin and Michele Vardy of Coldwater, wrote that Hannah has ‘a spirit, understanding and passion for conservation and traditional outdoor activities.’ They also noted that at just 13 years old, she is already serving as a mentor to the younger club members. Hannah’s sister Tori received the same honor last year.
Hannah’s efforts over the past year have included tree planting, stream improvement, invasive species projects, building and maintaining Wood Duck boxes, a Pitch-In event, working as a gunner at the Labrador Owners Club Retriever Trials, and participating in game calling competitions.
“Hannah Edwards is demonstrating conservation leadership that would be commendable at any age,” said OFAH Executive Director Mike Reader, of Hannah’s conservation work. “Hannah and her sister Tori are setting a wonderful example of stewardship for all who love the outdoors.”
With over 100,000 members, subscribers and supporters, and 670 member clubs, the O.F.A.H. is the province’s largest nonprofit, fish and wildlife conservation-based organization, and the VOICE of anglers and hunters. Visit www.ofah.org for more information.
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